Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has stated that only a God-fearing person will succeed him, setting a marker for those nursing ambitions for the state's governorship. He made this statement during the 15th Bayelsa Thanksgiving held in Yenagoa. The governor emphasized that anyone seeking the office should prayerfully seek God's approval, stressing that nobody can say no to someone approved by God.
Governor Diri, whose second four-year tenure is set to expire on February 14, 2028, highlighted the importance of unity, tolerance, and peace in Bayelsa State. He urged the people to remain united, stating that this is the only way the state can achieve much-needed development. The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to positively impacting the lives of the people and transforming the state, which he believes has one of the best environments for development.
The governor expressed gratitude to the people for their support over the past six years. He noted that Bayelsa State has been handed over to God, and the Almighty will have the final say in the state's affairs. Governor Diri also emphasized the need for people to continue worshipping God and being tolerant and patient, assuring that they will be victorious in the end.
Joseph Opelema, a former State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), delivered a sermon on the theme "Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens." He emphasized that Christians hold dual citizenship – as citizens of the church and citizens of society. Opelema drew his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where Jesus responded to the Pharisees' attempt to trap him on tax payment.
Opelema stressed that Christians must bring virtues such as sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care, and charity to bear in their daily lives, especially in public office. He lamented that many worshippers today do not live the Christian life, and Jesus called on believers to be witnesses, salt of the earth, light of the world, and to use public positions to serve and witness to Christ.
Opelema described Bayelsa State as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, good weather, land, and rivers, capable of making it a tourism hub in Nigeria. He added that with a God-fearing leader, the state would attain its full potential in no time. The service featured the unveiling of a book containing the governor's scriptural declarations during morning devotions and song ministrations by gospel artistes.
High points of the service included the governor's address and Opelema's sermon, which emphasized the importance of Christian values in leadership and everyday life. The event showcased the state's rich cultural heritage and its potential for growth and development. Governor Diri's statement on the qualities required for his successor has set a marker for those eyeing the state's top office.
Key points
- Governor Diri sets marker for successor, emphasizing the need for a God-fearing person.
- The governor urges unity, tolerance, and peace in Bayelsa State to achieve development.
- A former CAN chairman stresses the importance of Christian values in leadership and everyday life.
